FREP FAQ

FREP FAQ

FREP Joist Hanger Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic?
No – we like to refer to our Joist Hangers as being made from “Fibre Reinforced Engineering Polymer (FREP)” – These polymers are used in engineering and automotive applications throughout the world due to their extreme strength and resilience under load. It is not your everyday plastic and will last the life of your deck.

What does FREP stand for?

FREP stands for Fibre Reinforced Engineering Polymer – these polymers are not just “plastics”- they are used in high-end engineering components all around the world and are recognised for their strength and durability under load.

How can I purchase the KlevaKlip FREP Joist Hanger?

Via your preferred Timber Merchant or Hardware store or alternatively you can purchase on our Online Store.

How many fixings are required to connect my FREP Joist Hanger to my bearer?

NJH9045 there should be four nails in each “wing” of the Joist Hanger (Total 8)

NJH14045 there should be six nails in each “wing” of the Joist Hanger (Total 12)

Please use connector nails in ALL holes provided for both the NJH9045 and NJH14045.

Nail guns are not to be used on FREP Joist Hangers.

 

How many fixings are required to connect my joist to my FREP Joist Hanger?

NJH9045 there should be three nails per side of each joist at each joist hanger (Total 6)

NJH14045 there should be five nails on one side and four on the other side of the joist hanger (Total 9)

Please use connector nails in ALL holes provided for both the NJH9045 and NJH14045.

Nail guns are not to be used on FREP Joist Hangers.

The spacing between the side flanges appears to be less than 45mm at the top of the FREP Joist Hanger. Is this a problem?

No, the FREP joist hanger is deliberately “sprung” inwards to grip the joist. Check installation instructions regarding the “jig” to be used when installing hangers. Click Here for installation instructions.

The FREP Joist Hanger appears very strong. Is there any way I am likely to damage it?

Yes, the FREP Joist Hanger is very stiff and strong, and quite robust. However a sharp blow with a hammer can still cause it to crack or break. Adequate care should be taken when hammering in nails. Also, the FREP joist hanger is designed to flex slightly outwards to accommodate the 45mm width joist – it should not be flexed inwards (there is no need to flex it inwards), otherwise it can damage the bottom bracing of the joist hanger.

How long will my FREP Joist Hanger last?

Your FREP joist hanger is warranted to last fifteen years, and will likely last much longer than this. However, it is good practice to inspect the underside of your deck at least once per year after the first ten years or so to check that all substructure components of your deck appear to be in adequate working condition.

Is the FREP Joist Hanger UV stable?

FREP joist hangers have quite good natural UV stability, and are generally in positions where they do not receive direct sunlight. However they are not designed for continuous exposure. Should your FREP joist hangers be in a position whereby it does receive significant exposure to sunlight or other UV light, they should simply be painted or else attach a fascia that protects the joist hanger from the UV rays.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger in an outdoor environment?

Yes, unlike galvanised joist hangers, which are extremely restricted on how they can be used outdoors, the FREP joist hanger can be used in any corrosive environment without problems.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger in bushfire zones?

The FREP joist hangers have a softening point of approx 180C and a melting point of approx 220C. They will melt rather than burn when exposed to bushfire-type temperatures. For this reason we do not recommend the FREP joist hangers to be used in bushfire zones.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger with joists of greater than 90mm height?

Yes, the governing factor is 45mm in thickness. The FREP joist hanger is primarily designed for a “90 x 45mm” and "140 x 45mm" joist upwards to 200mm provided span tables are adhered to. For Timber Spans Click Here and for FREP m2 calculations see maximum floor area table below.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger with joists of 70mm in height?

Yes, 70mm high joists will fit the 90mm FREP joist hanger, but please bear in mind that your joist span will be quite limited.

How is the FREP Joist Hanger Packaged and what are the box dimensions and weights?

NJH9045 Box Qty 40  - L 580mm W 225mm H 135mm 2.2 kgs

NJH14045 Bix Qty 42 - L 500mm W 300mm H 215mm 4.5 kgs 

How do I work out my maximum joist spans?

All load bearing tests have been done by an independent, accredited testing body to Australian Standards AS1170.0 and AS1170.1

Span requirements:

Note – span table should be read in conjunction with timber span and joint tables to ensure the size and grade of joist you use is adequate for the proposed span.

Maximum Floor Area (M2) for FREP Joist Hangers

Timber Joint Group

NJH9045

NJH14045

Floor

Deck/Balcony

Floor

Deck/Balcony  

Commercial

JD5 (equivalent to MGP10)

0.8

0.6

1.2

0.9

0.5

JD3 (equivalent to F17 LVL)

1.2

0.9

1.6

1.2

0.7

Notes to the above:  
  1. Maximum floor area (M2) = 0.5 x (joist span x joist spacing)
  2. Span tables should be read in conjunction with timber span and joint tables to ensure the size and grade of joist you use is adequate for the proposed span.
  3. “Floor” load based on Live load of 1.5kPa + Dead load of 0.5kPa
  4. Deck/Balcony load based on Live load of 2kPa + Dead load of 0.5kPa
  5. Commercial load based on Live load of 4kPa + Dead load of 0.5kPa
  6. To achieve the structural design capacity, it is essential that the joists and joist hangers be installed in strict accordance with the fixing details provided.

What sized bearers can I use for my FREP Joist Hanger?

The FREP Joist hangers can be attached to any timber bearer with a height from 90mm upwards.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger with hardwood joists and bearers?

Yes, provided they are of the correct height/thickness as described in the above answers. However, please note that you will most likely need to screw into the joists rather than using connector nails (and maybe even need to pre-drill).

Can I use a nail gun with FREP Joist Hangers?

No, nail guns are not to be used on FREP joist hangers.

Do the holes in the FREP Joist Hanger allow for screws?

If using screws, you will need to “drill-out” the existing holes with an appropriate sized drill bit. The FREP is very easy to drill. For more information on suitable screws, please contact our office.

Can I use the FREP Joist Hanger with steel joists and bearers?

We have not researched all the thicknesses of steel joists and bearers, so haven't tested these as yet (joists will need to be 45mm in width). There doesn't appear any reason why it shouldn't work, given flat sides to attach to. However, you will certainly need to use screws and not nails. 

How to calculate how many FREP Joist Hangers are needed for your deck?

If all your joists are being “hung” from bearers, the total number of joist hangers required will equal the number of joists multiplied by two. Don’t forget to count both the first and last joist in the deck.